AGL Macquarie Pty Limited (AGLM) is paying a heavy price for discharging coal ash into Chilcotts Creek in the Upper Hunter.
The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) slapped the company, which operates the coal-fired Bayswater Power Station near Muswellbrook, with a $30,000 fine.
AGLM inadvertently released approximately 10 cubic metres of coal ash from its large storage dam during routine operational activities in August 2024.
Chilcotts Creek flows into Lake Liddell.
Coal ash is the solid waste that remains after coal is burned in a coal-fired power plant.
NSW EPA executive director operations Jason Gordon said after identifying the discharge, AGLM immediately ceased its activities and reported the incident to the agency.
“To its credit, AGLM did take action to clean up Chilcotts Creek and a qualified ecologist was engaged to provide advice during that clean-up process to reduce environmental impact,” he explained.
“Steps were also taken in the following days to prevent similar incidents at Bayswater Power Station, including the installation of a new replacement pipeline to transport water from the ash dam.
“While these positive actions were taken by AGLM, it is disappointing that this incident occurred in the first place.
“We have reasonable expectations that operators like AGLM will meet their licence obligations and protect our natural environment and wildlife.
“With any infrastructure it is critical that companies regularly check and maintain their equipment to reduce the risk of pollution incidents.
“The EPA will continue to closely monitor compliance to reduce the risk of pollution incidents occurring in the future.”
To report a water pollution incident to the NSW EPA, contact the Environment Line at 131 555 or email info@epa.nsw.gov.au
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